McGill University
Candidat Ph.D.
superviseur(e): Kyle Elliott
Mark Mallory, Acadia University
Début: 2021-01-04

Projet

Using movement ecology to quantify biotransport of plastics and plastic-related contaminants into the Arctic by gulls
Plastic ingestion by seabirds is an increasing issue in the Arctic, yet research on plastics in Arctic seabird populations is limited. The goals of this project are to: 1) assess the level of plastic and plastic-related contaminants in glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus) and black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) in the Arctic; 2) examine the annual movement patterns of these two species to link stopover sites with contaminant levels; and 3) assess the effects of plastics on glaucous gull and black-legged kittiwake body condition and stress levels. This project will create a baseline for monitoring plastics in Arctic seabirds and inform Indigenous peoples about contaminant levels in species in their communities.

Mots-clés

Arctic, Bioaccumulation, body condition, contaminants, Marine debris, Movement ecology, Plastic, Plastic pollution, seabirds, stress